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Shimadzu DataGlass 3/A: the HMD for Cyclops
Another day, another fancy head mounted display vying for your hard-earned dollars. This time around it's Shimadzu, and rather than hanging the pirates and cycloptic individuals in the crowd out to dry, the DataGlass 3/A is designed to only interfere utilize one eye. Interestingly, this USB-powered iteration is also dust- and water-proof in case you're desperate to view a virtual screen whilst signing in the rain, and can also be connected to your PC or handheld device via a standard VGA cable. No word on price just yet, but be sure and check out the video listed in the read link to quell your excitement.[Via I4U]
Olympus developing completely wireless head-mounted displays
Olympus is planning on taking head-mounted displays out of the "giant nerd" category and into the "scary dystopian future" realm with a new project to develop a completely wireless system that can also double as eyeglasses. While most other HMDs we've seen feature a cable snaking across your body to an external power pack, Olympus has expanded on its previous efforts (pictured) and is already prototyping a 3-ounce unit with an internal power source powering two side-mounted 110,000-pixel displays that project email onto the lenses. Olympus is optimistically hoping to bring the tech to market in 2012 -- looks like wannabe Terminators are going to be lugging those battery packs around for a while yet.
MyVu solo: the $199 iPod-friendly head mounted display
Sure, MyVu's other LCD goggles for iPod weren't stratospherically priced, but creeping under that magical $200 price point could encourage a few more folks to take a serious look at head mounted displays -- or not. Unfortunately, even the MyVu solo still requires you to don those humiliating specs to enjoy the visuals, but this device does enable the attached iPod to power it if you're not keen on picking up the optional eight-hour Li-ion battery pack. The glasses also tout built-in noise-canceling earbuds and are compatible with any of the iPods with video, and hey, for $199.95, they might be worth picking up for in-home (read: not in public) use, but we stress might.[Via MobileTechReview]
Virtual Hallucinating goggles make you temporarily Schizophrenic
We can't say we'd be first in line to get a dose of Schizophrenia or anything, but Janssen L.P.'s Virtual Hallucinations system shows promise of helping cops, paramedics, and social workers understand a bit more of what the afflicted go through. The technology consists of set of goggles and earphones that envelope you in one of two interactive scenarios that a typical Schizophrenic might face, including being a passenger on a bus in which the other riders continually vanish and reappear while stray birds attempt to invade the inside. The system is reportedly being trialed in a half dozen or so states, and professionals that had made it through the mind warp seem to have a new outlook on respecting and dealing with those with mental illnesses. Of course, if you're just interested in creeping yourself out, there's always easier alternatives.[Via MedGadget]
Scalar, eMagin showcase HMD and microdisplay creations
It's no secret that we most any sane individuals give the gaudy head-mounted displays of today a hard time for being so socially destructive, but a pair of companies have unveiled separate creations that look to make these things a bit less noticeable when perched on your face. eMagin's prototype SVGA-3DS microdisplay (shown after the jump) comes in at a minuscule 0.44-inches, relies on OLED-on-silicon technology, touts impressively low power consumption, and can reportedly show off an 800 x 600 resolution image. Over in Japan, Scalar is back on the scene with its Teleglass T3-F, which projects a virtual image of a 28-inch display two meters ahead of the viewer. The device mounts on the arm of your glasses, sports a 0.24-inch WVGA transmissive LCD, operates nearly four hours on two AA batteries, only covers one eye (baby steps, folks), and is fully retractable for those times when you actually need to converse with people without completely frightening them away. eMagin's invention is still being tweaked before official release, but citizens residing across the seas can pick up Scalar's latest right now for a stiff ¥98,000 ($808).[Via I4U]Read - eMagin's SVGA-3DS microdisplayRead - Scalar's Teleglass T3-F
Head-mounted display helps disabled walk
Although we've seen gait monitors and even prosthetic feet that assist individuals in regaining a more natural stride, scientists at Technion Institute of Technology in Israel have resorted to a head-mounted display for its rendition. This virtual reality device combines "auditory and visual feedback to improve walking speed and stride length in patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease," and provides the wearer with a "tiled-floor image" that apparently assists them in navigating nearly any terrain. The device is meant to take the place of normal muscle feedback mechanisms, and to provide said feedback to these disabled individuals so they can make adjustments and improve the efficiency of their walk. The HMD has already made its way to several medical centers and has purportedly yielded positive results, but there was no word on when this device would be commercially available.[Via MedGadget]
i-Bean glasses provide mobile TV up close and personal
It's getting to the point where some of these gadget-laced glasses providers are going to have to collaborate, as hauling around a suitcase full of variously useful specs is really getting rediculous. Joining the ever-growing fray is Arisawa Japan, whose i-Beam contraption functions as a less invasive head-mounted display by beaming a virtual "21-inch screen" of broadcast television right before your very eyes. The device itself weighs in at just ten grams, packs an external attachment to house the TV tuner and four AA batteries, and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack to boot. Of course, we'd probably recommend just snapping up a do-it-all GPS unit that handles television programming on the side, but hey, it's your ¥39,800 ($336) to do with as you please.[Via Wired]
Scalar's video-enabled Teleglass T4 sunglasses
Apparently, the millions and millions of consumers keeping these spectacle companies in business don't actually use them in public, as Scalar has somehow justified busting out yet another set of microdisplay-equipped glasses for the world to, um, see. The firm is no stranger to the world of video-enabled glasses, but these tinted gems still retain that terribly unfashionable look while offering up a "virtual 45-inch screen" for commuters to watch while getting unknowingly stared at. The device can reportedly accept nearly any AV input, including that from an iPod or other PMP / DVD player, and gives the illusion that you're viewing a screen from nearly two feet away. The (fairly) lightweight specs weigh in at 40-grams, and while we've no idea why you'd be interested, you can snag the Teleglass T4 in April for a completely ridiculous ¥100,000 ($824). [Warning: Read link requires subscription][Via PlasticBamboo]
22Moo intros SeepuStar DV230 video goggles
There's certainly no shortage of low-res video goggles on the market, but Australia's 22Moo seems to think there's room for just one more (they must know something we don't), bolstering its own lineup with the SeepuStar DV230 wearable display -- apparently, coming courtesy of OEM manufacturer Icuiti. While 22Moo's holding back on most of the specs for now, they do say that the Seepustars will give you a virtual 35-inch screen and can be used with just about anything with video out -- just don't be too disappointed if your brand new PS3 looks more like a PS1 after you hook it up to a pair of these. At least, we're guessing -- $250 will only buy you so much resolution. Look for these to be available later this month.
Icuiti unveils AV230 head-mounted display
Icuiti, producers of numerous "intelligent display solutions," has rolled out a new head-mounted display to provide "four to five hours" of portable viewing satisfaction. Similar in specification to the company's iWear (not that iWear), the AV230 differs in that it doesn't play favorites with Apple's iPod, and instead works with any video source including DVD players and gaming consoles. The eyewear sports twin 320 x 240 resolution displays, an integrated, rechargeable battery pack, 60Hz refresh rates, automatic 2D / 3D selector, NTSC / PAL support, and a mini-USB charger to "maximize mobility." Reportedly "developed from US Military technology," the goggles provide a "44-inch virtual screen" and can even be worn with prescription eyewear, but they fail to mention the humiliation you'll endure if you're caught rocking these in public. Regardless, the AV230 can be purchased now for private, in-home use for $269, and units should start shipping to brave early adopters in December.[Via I4U]
